Joaquin Phoenix blasts Oscars

Joaquin Phoenix thinks the Oscars are the "stupidest thing in the world."

The ‘Walk the Line’ actor doesn’t agree with the annual Academy Awards – despite having been nominated twice – because he doesn’t feel its fair to compare one acting role against another.

He told Interview magazine: "I think it’s bull***t. I think it’s total, utter bull***t, and I don’t want to be a part of it. I don’t believe in it.

"It’s a carrot, but it’s the worst-tasting carrot I’ve ever tasted in my whole life. I don’t want this carrot. It’s totally subjective. Pitting people against each other. It’s the stupidest thing in the whole world."

The 37-year-old star’s two nods were Best Supporting Actor for his role in ‘Gladiator’, and Best Actor, for ‘Walk the Line’ – in which he portrayed singer Johnny Cash – but he says the recognition he got for the latter unnerved him.

He added: "It was one of the most uncomfortable periods of my life when ‘Walk the Line’ was going through all the awards stuff and all that. I never want to have that experience again. I don’t know how to explain it – and it’s not like I’m in this place where I think I’m just above it – but I just don’t ever want to get comfortable with that part of things."

Despite his protestations, Joaquin’s next role, in Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘The Master’, has already been highly acclaimed and could see him score another Oscar nomination.